Liz Truss has opened up on her first thoughts after learning of the Queen's death in an exclusive interview with GB News to mark one year on from the monarch's passing.
Truss said that being told of the Queen's death confirmed her "worst fears", adding: "the absolute backdrop to our lives is now gone".
Truss, who said she "tends to focus on the practical in those types of moments", was informed while she was in the Downing Street flat with officials.
Speaking to GB News, she explained: "We were in the Downing Street flat with officials and other people. So when the news came through, it was sort of confirming all the worst fears that we'd had."
She added: "I felt very, very sad about the situation. But also just, you know, knowing that I would have to deal with it.
"You know, part of your brain is thinking, my goodness me, this is a momentous occasion.
"This is our Queen who who's been on the throne for 70 years, you know, the absolute backdrop to our lives is now gone.
"But also, I tend to focus on the practical in those type of moments and I was just thinking right, I need to make sure my speech is ready.
"I need to make sure the right people are informed. I need to make sure that, you know, the cabinet ministers responsible for organizing what was going to be a massive international occasion.
"So all of those sorts are going through your your head."
Truss also opened up about what was said between herself and Nadhim Zahawi in their hushed front-bench discussion in the days before the Queen died.
In September 2020, as the Queen's health deteriorated, Zahawi was seen handing the then-Prime Minister a note as she sat on the front benches of the House of Commons before the pair had a hushed conversation.
The note, she explained, indicated that the Queen's health was "getting worse and worse", containing an "agreed statement" for Truss to read in the Commons should the palace release a statement.
Truss told GB News that she "expressed concern" to Zahawi, who was the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at the time, while the pair were sat on the front-benches.
Explaining the series of events, the former PM said: "As I've said, you know, the news was getting worse and it was clear that we were talking about days rather than weeks.
Truss told GB News that she "expressed concern" to Zahawi
PA
"Thats what I recollect. And it was when I was in the Commons chamber, having just given the opening remarks in the debate about the energy package that Nadhim Zahawi came in with a note essentially, you know, indicating things were getting worse."
She added: "I just expressed concern and then I think pretty soon after that had to head out to deal deal with the issue."
